Top 5 Wingsuit Flying Videos of 2012

The concept of wingsuit flying has been around for hundreds of years, but only until recently, in the 1990’s, did it become common practice among skydivers and base jumpers. Modern day wingsuit equipment allows jumpers to fly greater distances and stay airborne longer than traditional skydiving and base jumping. Many in the sport predict that at some point pilots will be able to land without a parachute, similar to the way hang glider pilots land their gliders. Here is a list of some of the most progressive wingsuit flying videos published in 2012.

1) Highest Wingsuit Flight Ever, From Over 37,200 Feet

Jhonathan Florez, the 29 year old Colombian skydiver and wingsuit pilot breaks new world record with his wingsuit flight in April 2012. After exiting the plane at 37,265 feet (most skydives start at 10,000 ft – 13,000 ft), his record breaking wingsuit flight lasted more than 9 minutes and covered a distance of 17.5 miles, making it the longest airtime for a wingsuit flight and the most distance covered.

2) SPLIT OF A SECOND – Short Film Gives Inside Look into Wingsuit Base Jumping

One of the worlds leading wingsuit pilots, Espen Fadnes, gives an inside look into the life and mindset of a wingsuit base jumper in this 8 minute short film.

3) Wingsuit Skydivers Flying Alongside Glider Planes

5 wingsuit jumpers set out over the skies of Austria to fly in formation with two glider airplanes, reaching speeds of 110+ mph.

4) Jeb Corliss Crashes Into Side of Mountain

Jeb Coriliss is possibly one of the most well known base jumpers in the world. During a wingsuit jump off Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, while filming a special for HBO, Jeb struck the top of the cliff ledge. Although his impact speed was over 120 mph, he only sustained injuries to his legs and was able to pull his parachute in time. He is expected to make a full recovery and continue jumping.

5) First Person to Ever Land a Skydive Without a Parachute

Gary Connery, 42, of England, became the first person to land a skydive without a parachute. He was able to do this by using a wingsuit which allowed him to slow his speed down and by using nearly 20,000 cardboard boxes to break his fall on impact.